French Navy tests ship's shock resistance

In February 2025, the French Navy conducted a "shock test" on the La Fayette-class frigate Courbet by detonating a naval mine at a "good distance" as part of preparations for high-intensity engagements. The test aimed to evaluate the ship's resistance and that of its equipment, as well as to toughen its crew.

Resumption of experimental tests

The Ministry of the Armed Forces had previously indicated that other "shock tests" would be carried out, citing the hardening of the international context as a reason to resume such experimental campaigns. However, no such tests had been conducted since February until October 27, when the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) carried out a "first shock test by underwater explosion" on the hull of the former anti-submarine frigate Latouche-Tréville.

Preparing the test platform

The transformation of the Latouche-Tréville's hull into a test platform required several months of preparation, involving studies and instrumentation work by DGA Techniques navales (DGA TN) in collaboration with the French Navy, the Combat Naval Management Unit, DGA Techniques aérospace (DGA TA), Naval Group, and Safran Electronics & Defense.

Understanding shock effects

The DGA stated that these tests aim to better understand the effects of underwater shocks caused by naval mines on surface ships of the French Navy, with the objective of strengthening the protection of equipment and crews to preserve the ability of ships to continue the fight.

Tracking shock waves

Sensors installed on the former frigate are intended to track the propagation of shock waves to the equipment. For this campaign, DGA TN focused on designing progressive tests to maximize data collection and control risks, planning "pyrotechnic firings at sea, without crew and in full safety."

Improving naval design

The data collected will be used to improve models and design rules for the benefit of the industry and the French Navy. The DGA emphasized that these tests will provide an updated technical reference for the shock resistance of surface ships, validated numerical simulations, reduce the costs and delays of tests, verify the shock resistance of modernized equipment and new technologies under real conditions, and reinforce national expertise in qualification for shock resistance of naval platforms and their equipment.

Legacy ship remains valuable

Although disarmed, the former FASM Latouche-Tréville remains useful, contributing to the protection of the ships and crews of the French Navy of tomorrow, according to the DGA.